Mental Health
Carleton Clinic
Cumwhinton Drive,Carlisle, Carlisle CA1 3SX
Overview
Carleton Clinic is a healthcare facility located on Cumwhinton Drive in Carlisle, Cumbria. The clinic serves the local community by providing primary care and clinical services to residents of the area. As part of the NHS infrastructure in Carlisle, it plays an important role in delivering accessible healthcare to patients who require medical attention and consultation.
The clinic operates as a community-based medical centre, offering services typical of primary care facilities in the UK. These services may include general practitioner consultations, routine health checks, minor illness treatment, and health management services for chronic conditions. The facility is designed to provide convenient local healthcare without requiring patients to travel to larger hospital facilities for basic medical needs.
Carleton Clinic is positioned to serve the Carlisle population with professional healthcare staff and modern medical facilities. The clinic's location on Cumwhinton Drive makes it easily accessible to residents in the surrounding area. As a valued part of Carlisle's healthcare network, the clinic contributes to maintaining good health outcomes and providing preventative care services to the community it serves.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access mental health services at Carleton Clinic in Carlisle through a GP referral, self-referral (available for NHS Talking Therapies and some community services), or through NHS 111 if you need urgent support. Contact 01228 602000 to find out about referral pathways and current waiting times. In a crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or call the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24/7 support, contact your local Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team, call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), text SHOUT to 85258, or attend A&E if you feel unsafe. If you are already known to Carleton Clinic, you may have a crisis plan with direct contact numbers.
Carleton Clinic offers a range of evidence-based therapies which may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), group therapy, art and creative therapies, and family therapy. The specific therapies available depend on the service. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, all treatment at Carleton Clinic is strictly confidential under NHS policy and data protection law. Information is only shared with healthcare professionals directly involved in your care. Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, a court order, or a safeguarding obligation.
Yes, consultant psychiatrists at Carleton Clinic can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics. Medication is usually combined with talking therapy for the best outcomes. Regular reviews ensure your medication is working effectively and monitor for side effects. Your GP may take over prescribing once your condition is stable.
Carleton Clinic may offer or link to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for young people up to 18. Services include assessment and therapy for anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and behavioural difficulties. Referrals can come from GPs, schools, or in some areas through self-referral. Some areas also have early intervention teams for young people experiencing psychosis.
Carleton Clinic provides support for a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia, perinatal mental health, and complex emotional difficulties.
Some services at Carleton Clinic accept self-referrals without needing to see your GP first. NHS Talking Therapies (for anxiety and depression) can be accessed by self-referral in most areas. Other services such as Community Mental Health Teams and specialist services usually require a GP or professional referral. Contact 01228 602000 to check which services you can self-refer to.
Yes, Carleton Clinic may offer remote therapy options including telephone sessions, video consultations, and guided online self-help programmes. Remote therapy is clinically effective for many conditions and offers greater flexibility. It is particularly helpful for those with mobility issues, caring responsibilities, or who prefer the comfort of their own home. Ask about remote options when you are referred.
If you have complex mental health needs, Carleton Clinic may use the Care Programme Approach (CPA). Under CPA you will have a named care coordinator, a comprehensive care plan developed with you, regular reviews of your care and progress, and a structured plan for when you are ready to be discharged from the service. CPA ensures coordinated, person-centred care across different services.
Carleton Clinic may offer group therapy programmes which provide peer support alongside professional guidance. Groups may focus on anxiety management, depression recovery, DBT skills, mindfulness and stress reduction, bereavement, and substance misuse support. Groups are led by trained therapists and typically run for 8-12 weeks. Ask 01228 602000 about current group programmes.
Carleton Clinic may provide or link to specialist perinatal mental health services for women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. Conditions include antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, PTSD from birth trauma, and postpartum psychosis. Early treatment is vital for both mother and baby. Ask your GP or midwife about perinatal mental health referrals.
Your first appointment is usually an assessment lasting 45-60 minutes. A mental health professional will ask about your current difficulties, their impact on your life, your mental health history, physical health, medication, and what you hope to achieve. This is a collaborative conversation — you will not be pressured to share anything you are not comfortable with. After the assessment, you will discuss the most suitable treatment options.
Waiting times vary depending on the service and urgency. NHS Talking Therapies aims to start treatment within 6 weeks of referral. Community Mental Health Team assessments may take 4-12 weeks. Urgent referrals are prioritised. Contact 01228 602000 for current waiting times. While waiting, you can access self-help resources, crisis lines, and wellbeing apps recommended by the NHS.